System, method and program product to determine a time interval at which to check conditions to permit access to a file

Abstract

System, method and program for controlling access to a file within a computer. A predetermined value of an attribute of the computer is identified. A current value of the attribute is determined. Periodically, a determination is made if the predetermined value matches the current value. If so, access to the file is allowed. If not, access to the file is prevented. The period at which the determination is performed is based on a type of the attribute. The attribute of the computer can be a physical location of the computer, a type of network connection of the computer, or a type of application program resident in the computer.

1 . A method for controlling access to a file within a computer, said method comprising the steps of: 
 identifying a predetermined value of an attribute of said computer, determining a current value of said attribute, and periodically determining if said predetermined value matches said current value, and if so, allowing access to said file, and if not, preventing access to said file; and    determining the period at which said determining step is performed based on a type of said attribute.    
   
   
       2 . A method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said attribute of said computer is a physical location of said computer.  
   
   
       3 . A method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said attribute of said computer is a type of network connection of said computer.  
   
   
       4 . A method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said attribute of said computer is a type of application program resident in said computer.  
   
   
       5 . A method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the step of preventing access to said file comprises the step of encrypting said file.  
   
   
       6 . A system for controlling access to a file within a computer, said system comprising: 
 means for identifying a predetermined value of an attribute of said computer, determining a current value of said attribute, and periodically determining if said predetermined value matches said current value, and if so, allowing access to said file, and if not, preventing access to said file; and    means for determining the period at which said determining step is performed based on a type of said attribute.    
   
   
       7 . A system as set forth in  claim 6  wherein said attribute of said computer is a physical location of said computer.  
   
   
       8 . A system as set forth in  claim 6  wherein said attribute of said computer is a type of network connection of said computer.  
   
   
       9 . A system as set forth in  claim 6  wherein said attribute of said computer is a type of application program resident in said computer.  
   
   
       10 . A system as set forth in  claim 6  wherein said means for preventing access to said file comprises means for encrypting said file.  
   
   
       11 . A computer program product for controlling access to a file within a computer, said computer program product comprising: 
 a computer readable medium;    first program instructions to identify a predetermined value of an attribute of said computer, determine a current value of said attribute, and periodically determine if said predetermined value matches said current value, and if so, allow access to said file, and if not, prevent access to said file; and    second program instructions to determine, based on a type of said attribute, the period at which said first program instructions determine the current value of said attribute; and wherein    said first and second program instructions are stored on said medium.    
   
   
       12 . A computer program product as set forth in  claim 11  wherein said attribute of said computer is a physical location of said computer.  
   
   
       13 . A computer program product as set forth in  claim 11  wherein said attribute of said computer is a type of network connection of said computer.  
   
   
       14 . A computer program product as set forth in  claim 11  wherein said attribute of said computer is a type of application program resident in said computer.  
   
   
       15 . A computer program product as set forth in  claim 11  wherein said first program instructions prevent access to said file by encrypting said file.